Fecal cesium (CS) provides an indication of recent oral exposure to the element, and to a much lesser extent Cs that has been excreted from the body in bile. Naturally occurring Cs is not radioactive and is referred to as stable Cs (Cs133). Cesium is a naturally occurring element found combined with other elements in rocks, soil, and dust in low amounts. Humans may be exposed to Cs at relatively low levels from air and diet. Cesium-chloride is used as a lubricant to facilitate drilling for oil and natural gas. As such Cs may contaminate surface and ground water, and certain crops in close proximity to drilling sites.
Very high levels of fecal Cs have been observed for patients self-supplementing with oral Cs-chloride. Cesium chloride has been proclaimed to be a therapeutic treatment for cancer but documentation to that effect is not available. Indiscriminant use Cs-chloride solutions have been reported to have very serious consequences when chronically ingested or injected at high levels. Like thallium, Cs is antagonistic to the essential element potassium, and Cs toxicity has been associated with hypokalemia, ventricular tachycardia and death.
Confirmatory tests for excessive exposure to Cs include serum electrolytes and blood or red blood cell elements analysis.
Cesium
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